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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2025

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Amrit Question by Amrit on Jun 26, 2025Hindi
Money

I am 41 years old. I have 41 Lacs in EPF, 30 Lacs in Mutual Fund and 5 Lacs in NPS. I have a group Medical Insurance for me and my Spouse for 15 Lacs. I have 6 Lacs as Emergency fund parked in FD. My monthly expenditure is 1 L as of today (Including Support to my Spouse Family). No Existing loans. If I stop all my SIPs now, will I be able to retire comfortably?

Ans: ? Current Financial Position Assessment

EPF corpus is Rs 41 lakh. This is a solid retirement base.

Mutual funds corpus is Rs 30 lakh. This gives growth potential.

NPS has Rs 5 lakh. This will help in retirement.

Emergency fund of Rs 6 lakh is good for safety.

No loans means no EMI stress.

Medical cover of Rs 15 lakh for you and spouse is adequate for now.

Monthly expenses are Rs 1 lakh. This is quite high.

You also support your spouse’s family.

? Retirement Duration and Inflation Impact

You are 41 now. Retirement may last 35 to 40 years.

Assuming you retire today, your corpus must last till 80+.

Over time, expenses will rise due to inflation.

Rs 1 lakh monthly will not stay constant.

It could double every 12 to 15 years with inflation.

So, today’s savings are not enough for a 35-year retirement without growth.

? Can You Retire Now if SIPs Stop?

No, your corpus is insufficient to stop investing today.

Current assets may last only 8 to 10 years at best.

Even if you live frugally, you need corpus growth through investments.

So, stopping your SIPs now will reduce your future safety.

? Current Assets vs Future Need

You have a total corpus of around Rs 76 lakh now.

Your annual expense is Rs 12 lakh.

If the corpus earns 8% and you withdraw 12 lakh yearly, it will shrink soon.

Without SIPs, you will struggle to maintain your lifestyle after 8 to 10 years.

And inflation will increase your yearly spending beyond Rs 12 lakh.

? Why SIPs are Still Essential

SIPs help you grow your mutual funds corpus.

They fight inflation and protect your retirement.

Stopping SIPs now will freeze your wealth growth.

You will start dipping into your corpus early, reducing future safety.

? Suggested Approach Instead of Stopping SIP

Continue SIPs for at least 7 to 10 more years.

Increase SIP amount yearly as salary grows.

Shift focus from accumulation to retirement readiness gradually.

You may reduce SIP amount slightly if income drops, but don’t stop fully.

? Required Retirement Corpus Estimate

To sustain Rs 1 lakh monthly, you need a much larger corpus.

Likely around Rs 2.5 crore to Rs 3 crore minimum.

This corpus should generate growth and income for 30+ years.

Your current Rs 76 lakh is far below this requirement.

? Recommended Asset Allocation for Retirement

Keep 60% in equity mutual funds for growth.

Keep 30% in debt mutual funds and EPF for stability.

Keep 10% in NPS and cash for safety.

Equity gives growth to fight inflation.

Debt and EPF give stable income in retirement.

Gradually shift some equity to debt as you near retirement.

? Medical Insurance Review

Your Rs 15 lakh group cover is okay now.

But after retirement, this group cover may stop.

Buy an individual family floater cover of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 15 lakh now.

This protects you post-retirement when employer cover ends.

? Emergency Fund

Your emergency fund is sufficient now.

Keep it in a liquid fund or short-term debt fund, not FD.

FD gives lower returns and is less liquid.

? Withdrawals During Retirement

During retirement, withdraw smartly from your mutual funds.

Equity fund withdrawals above Rs 1.25 lakh LTCG taxed at 12.5%.

Short-term capital gains taxed at 20%.

Debt mutual funds taxed as per your slab.

Plan systematic withdrawals to minimise taxes.

? Additional Recommendations

Review all your ULIPs or insurance-cum-investment policies.

If any such policies exist, surrender them and reinvest in mutual funds.

Avoid real estate. It is illiquid and hard to exit.

Don’t invest in index funds. They only mirror the market and give average returns.

Active funds provide better growth through professional stock selection.

Don’t go for annuities. They give poor returns and lock your money.

? Suggested Monthly Plan from Now

Continue SIP of Rs 25,000 or more in mutual funds.

Let EPF contributions continue as per salary.

Keep contributing to NPS till retirement for added tax benefit.

Save bonus or additional income as lump sum into mutual funds.

? Role of Certified Financial Planner

A Certified Financial Planner will review your corpus every year.

They will adjust asset allocation and recommend changes.

They help during market ups and downs.

Direct plans won’t give this hand-holding.

Regular plans through an MFD with CFP credential are better for your long-term goal.

? Lifestyle Expense Review

Current expenses of Rs 1 lakh may increase after child’s education or healthcare needs.

Try to contain lifestyle inflation where possible.

Review discretionary spending annually.

? What Not to Do

Don’t stop SIPs fully now.

Don’t invest more in fixed deposits beyond your emergency fund.

Don’t buy gold for retirement.

Don’t follow stock market tips. Stay disciplined in mutual funds.

Don’t ignore health insurance for retirement.

? Suggested Retirement Timeline

Keep investing for at least 7 to 10 years.

Retire between 50 and 55 only if your corpus crosses Rs 2.5 crore.

Retiring before that will create financial pressure.

? Income Strategy During Retirement

Withdraw from debt mutual funds and EPF first.

Equity corpus should grow in the background.

Use SWP (Systematic Withdrawal Plan) from debt mutual funds.

Review corpus withdrawal rate yearly to adjust for market changes.

? Final Insights

Your savings till now are good but not yet enough for retirement.

Keep SIPs running for next 7 to 10 years.

Increase corpus steadily and protect your retirement comfort.

Review your portfolio annually with a Certified Financial Planner.

Avoid stopping SIPs unless you have alternative income sources.

You are on the right track but need 7-10 more years of saving.

Build a corpus of at least Rs 3 crore before you retire.

Manage expenses carefully to protect your retirement life.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
Money

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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 29, 2024

Listen
Money
Respected Sir, I am 40 years female with husband and 8years old daughter. My monthly salary is around 60k with 5%yearly increment.current investment portfolio is around 14 lacs in stock market. 1lac in SGB.ppf balance is around 10.38 lacs. I have one SSA account balance 13.6 lacs. I have endowment plans of current surrender value of around 4 lacs. I can invest 40 k currently through sip. Is it possible for me to retire at the age of 50 with a pension of 1lc/month.
Ans: Current Financial Overview
Monthly Salary: Rs. 60,000 with a 5% yearly increment.

Stock Market Investment: Rs. 14 lakhs.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB): Rs. 1 lakh.

Public Provident Fund (PPF): Rs. 10.38 lakhs.

Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA): Rs. 13.6 lakhs.

Endowment Plans: Current surrender value of Rs. 4 lakhs.

SIP Investment Capacity: Rs. 40,000 per month.

Retirement Planning Goal
Desired Retirement Age: 50 years.

Target Monthly Pension: Rs. 1 lakh.

Income Generation and Increment Assessment
Your salary increases by 5% yearly. This steady growth will boost your savings and investment capacity over time. Consistent investment in SIPs will compound your wealth, aiding in reaching your retirement goal.

Stock Market Investments
Your stock market investment of Rs. 14 lakhs is a good start.

Regularly review and rebalance your portfolio with a Certified Financial Planner's guidance.

Diversify to mitigate risks and maximize returns.

Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB)
SGBs are secure investments with a fixed interest rate and capital appreciation.

Hold onto your SGBs as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainties.

Public Provident Fund (PPF)
Your PPF balance of Rs. 10.38 lakhs will grow with the current interest rates.

Continue contributing to PPF to benefit from tax-free returns and compounding interest.

Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA)
SSA balance of Rs. 13.6 lakhs will support your daughter's future needs.

Continue contributing to SSA for higher returns and tax benefits.

Endowment Plans
Evaluate the performance of your endowment plans.

Consider surrendering if returns are low and reinvesting in mutual funds for better growth.

Monthly SIP Investment
Investing Rs. 40,000 monthly in SIPs is a sound strategy.

Choose a mix of equity and debt funds based on your risk tolerance and goals.

Regularly monitor and adjust your SIP portfolio with professional advice.

Long-Term Investment Strategy
Focus on mutual funds managed by experienced fund managers for active management benefits.

Regularly assess your portfolio's performance and reallocate if needed.

Retirement Corpus Calculation
Given your savings, investments, and potential returns, build a robust retirement corpus.

Aim to accumulate a corpus that can generate a Rs. 1 lakh monthly pension through systematic withdrawals.

Insurance and Risk Management
Ensure adequate life and health insurance for your family.

Review and update your policies to cover future medical and financial risks.

Final Insights
Your current financial discipline and investment strategy are commendable.

Consistently invest, review, and adjust your portfolio to stay on track for retirement.

Seek guidance from a Certified Financial Planner for personalized advice and optimal financial planning.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10881 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Nov 24, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Nov 24, 2025Hindi
Money
Namaste Sir, I am a PSU Bank Employee aged 38 years working in Bank since 2010. My monthly net salary is 1.10 lacs. My wife is a Housewife and i have 2 children of 9 and 2 years. Presently my savings are as under: Mutual Fund: Rs. 52.00 lacs invested through SIPs and Lumpsum since 2018. presently my monthly SIP is 35,000. I have never closed my SIPs or paused them and have increased it over time as and when salary increased. I have another Rs. 40.00 lacs as on date in my NPS which includes mine (10% of basic) and my employer (14% of basic) contribution with monthly contribution around 24000. i also have PF balance of Rs. 19.00 lacs as on date and monthly contribution is Rs. 20000 including mine and employer. I have Term Plan of Rs. 1.75 crs. I have availed Housing Loan of Rs. 92.00 lacs in current FY and my repayment will start from April 2026 with monthly EMI at Rs. 42000/-. Can i assume that i will be able to generate a monthly income of Rs. 3.50 lacs through SWP when i attain 60 years assuming my Mutual fund of Rs. 52.00 lacs will stay invested. NPS and PF contribution will anyhow continue and will increase as per increase in salary as the same is being deducted through Salary and is a Statutory obligation. I will also try to continue SIP for at least Rs. 20000 from April next year as my Housing Loan EMI will commence. My family is covered under reimbursement scheme for any health issues from my Bank. My bank provides me with leased accomodation and convenience and as such my major expenses is taken care by bank. Can i expect my retirement corpus around 8-9 crores after 20 years?
Ans: Your clarity shows strong planning. Your long-term view is very inspiring. Your steady savings habits also show great discipline. Many people struggle with consistency. But you have shown strong control. You have created a stable base for a confident future.

» Your Present Strengths

You have built a strong base at 38 years. Your discipline is clear. You invest with care. You track your numbers well. You keep faith in long-term plans. This gives you a huge advantage.

Your MF value of Rs. 52 lakh at 38 years is very healthy. Many people do not reach even half by this age. Your long SIP history helps you build strong habits.

Your NPS balance of Rs. 40 lakh is also strong. You get both employer and employee share. This gives a steady push. Your NPS grows on its own every month.

Your PF value of Rs. 19 lakh also shows slow and steady wealth building. PF support keeps your retirement base steady.

Your term cover of Rs. 1.75 crore also protects your family strongly. Your dependents will stay safe if anything happens.

Your bank perks reduce your life stress. You enjoy leased home. You enjoy travel convenience. Your medical cover gives peace. Your living cost is low. These small points help your savings rise.

Your future commitment to continue SIP even after loan EMI shows strong intent. This adds to your long-term wealth.

All these points tell a positive story.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» Assessment of Your Life Stage

Your age of 38 places you in a sweet zone. You have 22 years before 60. These years will decide your future wealth.

Your income is stable. PSU bank jobs give a steady rise. Your future salary will rise with promotions and revisions.

Your children are young. Their future needs will grow. You need to plan for education. You need to create buffers for health and life events.

Your home loan EMI of Rs. 42000 from 2026 will reduce your free cash. But your job perks reduce your stress. So your cash flow still stays strong.

You have strong long-term instruments. You have MF. You have PF. You have NPS. This gives you a mix of return, safety, and discipline.

Your future wealth will grow because of long compounding. Your steady SIP habit will boost your net worth.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» Your Mutual Funds Assessment

Your MF value is Rs. 52 lakh. You invest Rs. 35000 every month. You plan to continue Rs. 20000 even after EMI starts.

This steady habit builds strong wealth. Long MF compounding grows well if you stay invested.

You have chosen SIP and lumpsum properly. You did not stop SIPs. You have increased them at times. This shows strong commitment.

But I must highlight one important point. You did not mention whether you use direct funds. If you use direct funds, I must explain the concerns.

Direct funds look cheaper.

But they give no personalised support.

They give no risk review.

They give no asset allocation check.

They give no guidance during market stress.

They give no ongoing course correction.

Many investors with direct funds panic in bad markets. They may stop SIPs or shift funds wrongly. They miss out on long-term growth. They lack behavioural support. Behaviour shapes wealth more than cost.

Regular plans through a qualified MFD with CFP guidance give more balance. You get asset review support. You get rebalancing support. You get emotional control support. You get practical advice during market swings. This helps you stay invested for long periods.

This benefit is far more valuable than the small cost difference.

Also, I must also warn about index funds if you use them. Index funds look easy. But they have real issues.

Index funds do not avoid market overvaluation.

They copy the index blindly.

They buy more of stocks that became expensive.

They do not protect in bad years.

They do not offer downside management.

They offer no active strategy.

They cannot use tactical shifts.

Actively managed funds give more room for smart allocation. They can reduce risk when sectors overheat. They can choose high potential companies early. They can adjust during volatility. This ability helps long-term growth.

So, your MF direction must favour active funds. And it must happen through regular mode for strong behavioural and advisory support.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» NPS Assessment

Your NPS of Rs. 40 lakh is strong at 38. Your monthly share is around Rs. 24000. You also get employer contribution. This creates steady compounding.

NPS is a long-term wealth tool. It helps discipline. It grows slowly and safely. It forces a retirement mindset.

But you must remember one point. NPS has withdrawal rules. You cannot withdraw full amount. You must use some part for structured payout. But you have time. You can plan around it.

Your NPS will grow well because of long-term exposure to equity and debt mix. This gives stability.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» PF Assessment

Your PF value of Rs. 19 lakh is healthy. PF grows slowly. But it is safe. It creates a stable base. Your monthly PF of Rs. 20000 improves safety.

PF works best when kept untouched for decades. You are doing that. This creates a reliable future base.

Your PF also protects your retirement. It gives risk-free growth. This is important in later years when you need steady income.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» Term Insurance Assessment

Your term cover is Rs. 1.75 crore. Your income is Rs. 1.10 lakh per month. You have two small children. You have a home loan.

Your coverage is good. But in future, when salary rises, you may review cover. But right now, it is adequate.

Do not mix investment with insurance. Continue pure term cover. Avoid ULIP or endowment in future. They lock your money. They give low returns.

Only if you hold ULIP or LIC savings plans, you may shift to MF for better growth. But your message does not mention such policies. So no action needed.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» Housing Loan Assessment

Your loan is Rs. 92 lakh. EMI will start in April 2026. EMI will be Rs. 42000. This EMI is manageable with your income.

Your bank perks help your lifestyle. So you can absorb EMI smoothly. You can continue SIP also. This gives strong benefit.

Your loan will slowly reduce your cash flow. But it also helps tax planning. And it adds discipline to your money use.

You should avoid prepayment if it affects your SIP. SIP gives better long-term growth. Loan gives low fixed cost. So SIP is more valuable.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» Future Cash Flow Strength

Your salary is Rs. 1.10 lakh. Your perks reduce your core expenses. So you save well. Your SIP of Rs. 35000 shows strong saving power.

Once EMI starts, your free savings drop. But you still plan to invest Rs. 20000. This is excellent. This discipline shapes wealth.

Also, your NPS and PF continue without effort. These add large future value.

You must keep increasing SIP by small steps. Even Rs. 2000 increase yearly helps major growth.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» Will You Reach Rs. 3.5 lakh Monthly SWP at 60?

You want to know if you can take Rs. 3.5 lakh per month at 60 years. This means Rs. 42 lakh per year.

You can aim for this target. But it needs strong planning. It needs steady discipline. It needs careful asset allocation after age 50. It needs slow and steady risk reduction later.

Your current assets already show strong momentum.

Your MF may grow well if you keep investing for 22 more years. Your PF will grow slowly but safely. Your NPS will grow strongly due to long tenure. Your loan will end before your retirement. Your financial stress will reduce then.

If you build a corpus of 8 to 9 crore at 60, you can try for a sustainable SWP. But you must not withdraw too fast in early years. A strong SWP needs balance and risk control.

A safe SWP rate depends on market conditions. Safe rate is usually low. But your target of Rs. 3.5 lakh per month is possible with a strong corpus. It needs proper planning and asset strategy.

You also must split your assets into growth and safety parts at retirement. You must keep liquid funds for 3 to 5 years of expenses. This protects you in bad markets.

So yes, this SWP target is possible. But it needs long discipline.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» Will You Reach Rs. 8 to 9 crore in 20 Years?

You can target Rs. 8 to 9 crore. You have strong base. You have 22 years. You have good monthly investing habits. You have steady PF and NPS deposits. You have term cover. You have a home loan but still save.

Your MF alone can grow large if you continue SIP for long. Your PF will grow slowly but steadily. Your NPS will grow very strongly due to long lock-in.

Your loan EMI will reduce savings now. But later, after loan closure, your savings can rise again.

So yes, your target of Rs. 8 to 9 crore is realistic. But only if:

You maintain SIP without gaps.

You increase SIP when salary rises.

You do not stop NPS or PF.

You avoid emotional reactions in markets.

You manage risk after age 50.

You avoid ULIP or low-return insurance plans.

You stick to active funds.

You use regular mode with CFP supported guidance.

This path keeps you safe.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» Key Areas To Focus Now

Keep SIP steady and rising.

Avoid large lifestyle jumps.

Increase SIP every year.

Keep MF fully active style.

Avoid direct funds for long-term safety.

Avoid index funds due to passive issues.

Maintain PF and NPS discipline.

Review insurance after salary rise.

Build emergency fund equal to six months.

Avoid personal loans and card loans.

Plan education fund for children slowly.

Keep home loan as planned.

Focus on long compounding.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» Asset Allocation Guidance

Right now, your allocation is growth focused. This is fine for age 38. But after age 50, start lowering risk. Keep slow shift every year. This keeps your future income stable.

Your PF and NPS add natural safety. Your MF gives growth. This mix works well.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» Health Cover Assessment

Your bank gives medical cover. This is helpful. But after retirement, this cover may end. You need private family cover after retirement.

Buy health cover before age 45. Early buy keeps premium low. This avoids risk of future rejection.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» Children Planning

Your children are age 9 and 2. Their future education cost is big. You must start a separate SIP for education. Even small monthly SIP starts the process.

Do not merge education money with retirement money. Keep both separate. This helps you protect your retirement.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» Retirement Lifestyle Assessment

You want Rs. 3.5 lakh per month. This is high for today. But inflation will increase needs. Your income needs at 60 will be higher. Your target is reasonable.

You must create a balanced mix of growth assets and stable assets at 60. This mix gives long-term safety. It also gives inflation protection.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» What You Should Change

You should review fund mode. If you use direct mode, shift to regular with CFP-backed MFD support. This helps you manage stress in future. This protects long-term returns.

If you use index funds, shift to active funds. Active funds support better downside control. Passive funds do not offer support during market peaks or crashes.

Do not invest in ULIPs. Do not buy savings insurance. Do not mix insurance and investment.

Do not prepay home loan if it reduces SIP. SIP gives richer long-term benefit.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» What You Should Continue

Continue MF SIP. Continue PF. Continue NPS. Continue term cover. Continue low-cost lifestyle. Continue disciplined saving. Continue long-term focus. Continue strong stability approach.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

» Final Insights

You have built a strong financial base at 38. Your savings habit is rare and valuable. Your discipline gives you a direct path to long-term comfort.

Your goal of Rs. 8 to 9 crore is realistic. Your dream of Rs. 3.5 lakh monthly SWP is also possible. You must stay committed. You must keep increasing SIP. You must avoid bad instruments. You must use proper asset mix.

Your future looks strong with discipline and clarity. Your progress already shows strong momentum. You only need steady focus and controlled habits.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Nayagam P

Nayagam P P  |10854 Answers  |Ask -

Career Counsellor - Answered on Dec 14, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025Hindi
Career
Hello, I am currently in Class 12 and preparing for JEE. I have not yet completed even 50% of the syllabus properly, but I aim to score around '110' marks. Could you suggest an effective strategy to achieve this? I know the target is relatively low, but I have category reservation, so it should be sufficient.
Ans: With category reservation (SC/ST/OBC), a score of 110 marks is absolutely achievable and realistic. Based on 2025 data, SC candidates qualified with approximately 60-65 percentile, and ST candidates with 45-55 percentile. Your target requires scoring just 37-40% marks, which is significantly lower than general category standards. This gives you a genuine advantage. Immediate Action Plan (December 2025 - January 2026): 4-5 Weeks. Week 1-2: High-Weightage Chapter Focus. Stop trying to complete the entire syllabus. Instead, focus exclusively on high-scoring chapters that carry maximum weightage: Physics (Modern Physics, Current Electricity, Work-Power-Energy, Rotation, Magnetism), Chemistry (Chemical Bonding, Thermodynamics, Coordination Compounds, Electrochemistry), and Maths (Integration, Differentiation, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Probability). These chapters alone can yield 80-100+ marks if practiced properly. Ignore topics you haven't studied yet. Week 2-3: Previous Year Questions (PYQs). Solve JEE Main PYQs from the last 10 years (2015-2025) for chapters you're studying. PYQs reveal question patterns and difficulty levels. Focus on understanding why answers are correct, not memorizing solutions. Week 3-4: Mock Tests & Error Analysis. Take 2-3 full-length mock tests weekly under timed conditions. This is crucial because mock tests build exam confidence, reveal time management weaknesses, and error analysis prevents repeated mistakes. Maintain an error notebook documenting every mistake—this becomes your revision guide. Week 4-5: Revision & Formula Consolidation. Create concise formula sheets for each subject. Spend 30 minutes daily reviewing formulas and key concepts. Avoid learning new topics entirely at this stage. Study Schedule (Daily): 7-8 Hours. Morning (5:00-7:30 AM): Physics concepts + 30 PYQs. Break (7:30-8:30 AM): Breakfast & rest. Mid-morning (8:30-11:00): Chemistry concepts + 20 PYQs. Lunch (11:00-1:00 PM): Full break. Afternoon (1:00-3:30 PM): Maths concepts + 30 PYQs. Evening (3:30-5:00 PM): Mock test or error review. Night (7:00-9:00 PM): Formula revision & weak area focus. Strategic Approach for 110 Marks: Attempt only confident questions and avoid negative marking by skipping difficult questions. Do easy questions first—in the exam, attempt all basic-level questions before attempting medium or hard ones. Focus on quality over quantity as 30 well-practiced questions beat 100 random questions. Master NCERT concepts as most JEE questions test NCERT concepts applied smartly. April 2026 Session Advantage. If January doesn't deliver desired results, April gives you a second chance with 3+ months to prepare. Use January as a practice attempt to identify weak areas, then focus intensively on those in February-March. Realistic Timeline: January 2026 target is 95-110 marks (achievable with focused 50% syllabus), while April 2026 target is 120-130 marks (with complete syllabus + experience). Your reservation benefit means you need only approximately 90-105 marks to qualify and secure admission to quality engineering colleges. Stop comparing yourself to general category cutoffs. Most Importantly: Consistency beats perfection. Study 6 focused hours daily rather than 12 distracted hours. Your 110-mark target is realistic—execute this plan with discipline. All the BEST for Your JEE 2026!

Follow RediffGURUS to Know More on 'Careers | Money | Health | Relationships'.

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1840 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 13, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 12, 2025
Career
Dear Sir/Madam, I am currently a 1st year UG student studying engineering in Sairam Engineering College, But there the lack of exposure and strict academics feels so rigid and I don't like it that. It's like they don't gaf about skills but just wants us to memorize things and score a good CGPA, the only skill they want is you to memorize things and pass, there's even special class for students who don't perform well in academics and it is compulsory for them to attend or else the student and his/her parents needs to face authorities who lashes out. My question is when did engineering became something that requires good academics instead of actual learning and skill set. In sairam they provides us a coding platform in which we need to gain the required points for each semester which is ridiculous cuz most of the students here just look at the solution to code instead of actual debugging. I am passionate about engineering so I want to learn and experiment things instead of just memorizing, so I actually consider dropping out and I want to give jee a try and maybe viteee , srmjeee But i heard some people say SRM may provide exposure but not that good in placements. I may not be excellent at studies but my marks are decent. So gimme some insights about SRM and recommend me other colleges/universities which are good at exposure
Ans: First — your frustration is valid

What you are experiencing at Sairam is not engineering, it is rote-based credential production.

“When did engineering become memorizing instead of learning?”

Sadly, this shift happened decades ago in most Tier-3 private colleges in India.

About “coding platforms & points” – your observation is sharp

You are absolutely right:

Mandatory coding points → students copy solutions

Copying ≠ learning

Debugging & thinking are missing

This is pseudo-skill education — it looks modern but produces shallow engineers.

The fact that you noticed this in 1st year already puts you ahead of 80% students.

Should you DROP OUT and prepare for JEE / VITEEE / SRMJEEE?

Although VIT/SRM is better than Sairam Engineering College, but you may face the same problem. You will not face this type of problem only in some top IITs, but getting seat in those IITs will be difficult.
Instead of dropping immediately, consider:

???? Strategy:

Stay enrolled (degree security)

Reduce emotional investment in college rules

Use:

GitHub

Open-source projects

Hackathons

Internships (remote)

Hardware / software self-projects

This way:

College = formality

Learning = self-driven

Risk = minimal

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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